What Are The Best 4K Security Cameras For You?
Looking for reliable home security? Here are your best options.
Looking for reliable home security? Here are your best options.
Whether you’re upgrading from HD security cameras or making your first home security purchase, investing in a 4K security camera is a great idea. However, with so many good options on the market, it’s hard to make the right choice. Worry no more; we’ve done the research for you. But before looking at the best 4K cameras for your home, let’s start by defining what makes a 4K security camera great.
A 4K security camera can capture video in 4K resolution. Resolution refers to the number of pixels in a recorded video and is commonly described by the number of pixels in the image’s width and height. For 4K, that’s a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels.
4K security cameras provide four times the resolution of 1080p cameras. This means more pixels, which translates to higher detail and superior video quality. As a result, you can zoom in and get a clearer view of your security footage.
In addition to 4K video, some cameras like the Arlo Ultra 2 offer HDR video capabilities. HDR (High Dynamic Range) enhances security cameras by enabling them to record a broader range of brightness levels. As a result, 4K HDR cameras capture clearer images and perform better than others in challenging lighting conditions.
When looking for 4K security cameras, prioritize high-quality video resolution, night vision capabilities, a wide field of view, motion detection, weather resistance, and good battery life. Let’s dive into each feature to help you make an informed decision.
If you’re looking for 4K security cameras, you’re already prioritizing image quality. As mentioned earlier, 4K cameras provide the most detailed, high-quality security footage for your home. Options like the Arlo Ultra 2 allow you to take advantage of every extra pixel, thanks to its 12x Digital Zoom.
Night vision enables your camera to record video in low-light conditions or total darkness. However, not every security camera offers the same type of night vision capabilities. There’s PIR night vision, which produces the classic black and white security footage. Then, there’s color night vision, which uses an integrated spotlight to record full-color video regardless of the light conditions.
For optimal security, look for 4K cameras that feature both PIR night vision and color night vision, such as the Arlo Ultra 2.
Field of View (FOV) is the maximum area a camera lens can see, usually measured in angles. Why is Field of View important? A wider FOV provides a broader image of your surroundings, letting you be aware of additional threats.
Most cameras offer a FOV between 120 and 150°. Others, like the Arlo Ultra 2, boast an impressive ultra-wide 180° viewing angle.
When movement is detected, motion sensors will trigger video recording and send an alert to your smartphone. In home security cameras with integrated spotlights, motion detection also automatically activates the light to catch potential intruders off guard and deter them.
Whether your 4K security camera is for indoor or outdoor use, weather resistance should be a priority. A weatherproof camera will hold up in inclement weather and is ideal for jobsite security or construction site security. Options like the Arlo Ultra 2 are designed to withstand heat, cold, rain, snow, and sun.
Wireless 4K security cameras require more battery power for 4K recording. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a security camera with long battery life. Options like the Arlo Ultra 2 offer long-lasting battery life. Plus, it can also be connected to a Solar Panel Charger for harnessing the natural energy of the sun.
If you’re looking for 4K home security cameras, the Arlo Ultra 2, the Lorex 4K Dual-Lens, and the eufyCam 3 are among the best options you can find right now. But how do they compare against each other? And which one is the better choice? Here’s an overview of their features.
| Arlo Ultra 2 | Lorex 4K Dual-Lens | eufyCam 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $249.99 | $219.99 |
| Video Resolution | 4K HDR | 4K HDR | 4K (no HDR) |
| Field of View | 180° | 180° | 135° |
| Color Night Vision | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audio | 2-Way Audio | 2-Way Audio | 2-Way Audio |
| Integrated Spotlight | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Local Storage | SD card/USB support with Arlo SmartHub | 32GB microSD card | 16GB built-in memory |
| Cloud Storage | Yes, with Arlo Secure subscription | No | No |
| Smart Home Integration | Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Additional Costs | None | None | $149.99 base required |
In terms of the features outlined above, a reliable option is the Arlo Ultra 2 ($299.99). This weather-resistant camera surpasses all the mentioned security needs and more. The Arlo Ultra 2 features 4K HDR video, Motion Detection, premium 2-Way Audio, an Integrated Spotlight, long-lasting battery life, Color Night Vision, and an ultra-wide 180° Field of View.
For local storage, the Arlo Ultra 2 can save footage on an SD card or a USB flash drive when connected to a compatible hub, like the Arlo Ultra SmartHub. For Cloud Storage, you can opt for the Arlo Secure subscription with 30-day video event recordings starting at just $7.99 per month. This subscription also enhances the camera with AI and cloud-powered features like Smart Activity Zones and person, vehicle, animal, and package detection.
The Arlo Ultra 2 is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, If This Then That (IFTTT), and Samsung SmartThings.
The Lorex 4K Dual-Lens ($249.99) features 4K HDR video, color night vision, an integrated spotlight, and 2-way audio. Combining images from its two lenses, the Lorex 4K Dual-Lens delivers a panoramic 180° Field of View. It also includes a 32GB microSD card for local storage and features on-device AI object detection.
However, the Lorex 4K Dual-Lens lacks cloud storage support, making it a local storage-only security camera. While this approach offers some benefits, it has the drawback that if the camera is lost or stolen, the security footage is lost as well.
Regarding smart home integration, Lorex cameras are compatible only with Alexa and Google Assistant.
The eufyCam 3 ($219.99) features 4K video (without HDR), a built-in solar panel, an integrated spotlight, on-device AI recognition technology, 2-way audio, motion detection, and color night vision. Additionally, it offers local storage thanks to the built-in 16GB memory.
Overall, the eufyCam 3 is a feature-packed, budget-friendly security camera. So, what’s the catch? First, the eufyCam 3 requires the additional purchase of a $149.99 base. Second, according to Eufy’s site, it currently lacks cloud storage support. That makes it a local-storage only camera, just like the Lorex 4K Dual-Lens. Third, in terms of smart home integration, the eufyCam 3 is compatible only with Alexa and Google Assistant. Plus, the eufyCam 3 features a narrower 135° Field of View, providing a more limited view of the surroundings.
The Arlo Ultra 2 Security camera offers comprehensive features to protect your home. With 4K HDR video, you’ll get clearer security footage with lifelike detail. Plus, with the full Arlo ecosystem—including video doorbells, security cameras, and the Arlo Home Security System—you and your loved ones can truly enjoy peace of mind at your front door. Whatever option you invest in, be sure to pick the best camera for you based on your unique needs.
